FIRST-STRING Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

first-string

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ

Definition of first-string

as in excellent

of the very best kind a first-string rendition of the musical piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of first-string If Willis works with the first-string offensive line as expected, he’ll at times be matched up against Chargers interior defensive linemen Teair Tart, Dalvin Tomlinson, Jamaree Caldwell and Justin Eboigbe. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 There was a moment Tuesday morning during walk-throughs when Barron lined up as first-string nickel. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026 Defensively, the Falcons played much of their first-string front seven, or at least rotational players, throughout the first half. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 15 Aug. 2026 Burrow and the first-string offensive line played two series, with the franchise quarterback going 5 of 6 for 39 yards. — CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first-string

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string

Adjective

There’s an excellent Anantara Spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center onsite, but the highlight of the property is its 60-foot-long oceanfront infinity pool, which overlooks the entire expanse of Stone Town beach.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Mikey Madison is excellent as a whistleblower driven by love, not spite.

— Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

Of course, Gen Zers are still in the early stages of their careers and have yet to enter their prime earnings years.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
What to do nearby The hotel sits in a prime position between the sleek towers of the Porta Nuova neighborhood and the city’s historic center.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of prime

Adjective

The movie looks terrific, with DP Jeff Cronenweth returning to provide visual consistency with The Social Network and Alexandre Desplat’s elegant score feeding the tension without working too hard at it.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
This puzzle is stuffed with nuance, pleasing crosses and a lot of simply terrific, ridiculously evocative stuff — for example, a jarring assortment of lovely trivia intersecting with some hideous ailments at more than one juncture.

— Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

But these trace elements can have an outsize effect on overall stellar characteristics.

— Phil Plait, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026
That means the collapse of a stellar core with an already powerful magnetic field can create a neutron star with the strongest magnetic field in the universe.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of stellar

Adjective

Fans of modernist architecture will find much else to enjoy, too – not least in Ibirapuera Park, with its striking array of mid-century buildings by Oscar Niemeyer, including the pavilion that now houses the superb Museu Afro Brasil.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 2026
Whatever the case might be, Kentucky Boy is a really superb bourbon.

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

There is a wonderful museum in the park that interactively showcases the landscape and cultural history of the Chacabuco Valley as well as this part of the region's ecological loss and path to recovery.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Howell and Sloyan are quite wonderful in these moments, and Howell is exceptional throughout.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

The Brasserie beside it, a continuation of the same vibe, focuses on French dishes with some good vegetarian options, and hosts a breakfast buffet with lovely local products.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
The lovely south-facing casement windows in the living room are original; at the other end of the apartment is enough room for a second bedroom or office, plus a closet).

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of lovely

Browse Nearby Words

first-rateness

first-string

firth

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Style

“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-string

adjective

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